Stratasys has announced that it has been selected by The UPS Store to provide its 3D printing systems as part of a test program that will make it the first national retailer in the U.S. to offer 3D printing service to entrepreneurs, architects, start-ups and other retail customers. This service will enable UPS Store customers to have their 3D design 3D printed on-site.

The test signals a collaborative effort by Stratasys and The UPS Store to make 3D printing accessible to small businesses as awareness of the technology and its capabilities grows. Stratasys 3D Printers can create on-demand, custom objects of virtually any complexity in a fast and simple process.

This is a logical development to make the technology available for a community of business people that may not be in a position to, or indeed want to invest in purchasing the technology themselves.

"3D printing technology is becoming increasingly accessible to a growing number of companies and consumers. Small businesses are beginning to realize how this revolutionary technology can help them to be more competitive," said Stratasys Executive Vice President, Jon Cobb. "The UPS Store and Stratasys share the vision of strengthening innovation and competitiveness by making 3D printing accessible to a growing number of users."

While the program is aimed at small businesses, it is open to anyone interested in trying out on-site 3D printing services. "After doing a lot of research, we went with the Stratasys uPrint, because it has a small footprint and is easy to operate," said The UPS Store small business technology leader, Daniel Remba.

Following the launch of the test, retail customers will be able to bring a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file to participating UPS Store locations and have their 3D design printed on-site.